• Castel Gandolfo: the Mexican Nativity Scene in the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo

    An outpouring of warmth, faith and popular tradition surrounds the great Christmas tree placed at the center of the Courtyard of the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo. Hand-modeled terracotta figures recall the birth of Jesus. It is a Mexican nativity scene, with an essential number of characters: the Child, Mary, Joseph, the three Magi, a shepherd, and an angel. They have simple yet highly expressive forms: faces absorbed in contemplation of the mystery, all leaning toward the manger surrounded by the ox and the donkey.

  • From the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore–Sarno, the Nativity Scene in St Peter’s Square

    A Message of Peace

    A message of peace, fraternity, and harmony comes from the Nativity scene set up this year in St Peter’s Square. Its creation was a collective effort by the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore–Sarno. Representing the entire local community it offers figures of holiness through its art, its agricultural products, its traditions and its various cultural expressions.

  • In St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV visits the Nativity Scene from Nocera Inferiore–Sarno

    Pope Leo XIV visited the Nativity Scene from the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore–Sarno, set up in St. Peter’s Square for the 2025 Christmas season. On Wednesday afternoon, 31 December 2025, he visited the crèche after presiding in the Vatican Basilica over First Vespers for the Solemnity of Mary, Most Holy Mother of God, followed by the singing of the traditional Te Deum hymn of thanksgiving at the end of the year.

  • Pope Francis visits the Nativity Scene from Grado in Saint Peter’s Square

    On Tuesday afternoon, 31 December 2024, Pope Francis visited the Nativity Scene from Grado, located in Saint Peter’s Square. Earlier, he had presided at First Vespers for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Te Deum hymn of thanksgiving for the conclusion of the year.

  • The Nativity Scene in the Church of San Pellegrino inside Vatican City

    When musicians point us toward the manger

    It addresses anyone who draws near, inviting them to contemplate the mystery of the birth of Jesus. The figure is of a musician of the Band of the Gendarmerie Corps, standing and facing outward from the Nativity scene. He joins the choir of Angels in accompanying the chant Venite Adoremus. With his music he breaks the silence of the night to make known to all the most astonishing news: the Lord is born in Bethlehem of the Virgin Mary.